Buddhism Flashcards
A major Eastern tradition which sprang from the life experience and teaching of Siddhartha Gautama or the Buddha.
Buddhism
The Buddha, the highborn Prince of the Sakya clan in the kingdom of Magadha, who lived from 560 to 477 B.C.
Siddhartha Gautama
Gautama’s life was devoted to sharing his ___.
“Dharma” or Law of Salvation; A simple presentation of the gospel of inner cultivation.
The cultivations of Dharma
Of right spiritual attitudes, coupled with a self-imposed discipline whereby bodily desires would be channeled in the right directions.
The teaching of Buddha has been set forth traditionally in the ___ leading to the ___.
Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path
The perfect character that in turn gives assurance of entrance into Nirvana at death.
Arhatship
The Four Noble Truths
- Life is full of suffering (Dukkha).
- Suffering is caused by passionate desires, lusts, cravings.
- In order to get rid of suffering, one has to get rid of desire.
- There is a path that leads from suffering. (The Eightfold Path)
Eradication of Desire may be accomplished only by following the Eightfold Path; (V, T, S, A, L, E, M, C)
Right:
1. View
2. Thought
3. Speech
4. Conduct/Action
5. Means of Livelihood
6. Effort
7.Mindfulness
8. Meditation/Concentration
Five Precepts
- Abstain from killing.
- Abstain from stealing.
- Abstain from sexual misconduct.
- Abstain from lying.
- Abstain from getting drunk or using illegal drugs.
The way to salvation lies through __.
Self-abnegation (denial or abasement of oneself)
Enlightened wisdom of complete selflessness
Nirvana
First steps that one can take after reading, hearing and pondering Buddhist teaching;
- Refrain from destroying life;
- Refrain from taking what is not given;
- Refrain from a misuse of the senses.
Buddhists practice the four states of sublime condition;
Love, Sorrow for Others, Joy in the Joy of others and Equanimity (calmness and composure) as regards one’s own joy and sorrows.
First Council at Rajagaha (ca. 477 B.C.)
About 500 disciples gathered and together recited and chanted the precepts now found in the Tripitaka.
Second Council at Vesali (ca. 383 or 377 B.C.)
It was found desirable to make changes to ease the burden of Buddhist discipline.
Third Council (245 B.C.)
Serious effort was made to reform and reorganize the Order and embarked upon a program of expansion.
Buddha insisted on ___.
He insisted on freedom of thought and intellectual independence in following his teaching.
Common Precepts to the 10 Commandments
Not to kill.
Not to steal.
Not to act in an unchase manner.
Not to speak falsely.
Not to take intoxicants.
Theravada - The Way of Elders
Progress in the spiritual life is solely dependent on the individual. There is no grace or God to offer assistance. Self-reliance is the only asset. (Sri Lanka, Thailand and Cambodia)
Mahayanists - Grace abounds and everyone has access. Grace leads and compassion takes priority over wisdom and seeks aids to others.
Prayer, self-sacrifice, an afterlife, liturgy and calling on the name of Buddha for strength. (China, Korea, Japan and Tibet)
Buddhist beliefs consistent with Christianity
Salvation is available to all
Selfish desire is the root of all evil
Morality and responsibility
Prayer and Self-Sacrifice (Mahayanists)
Grace (Mahayanists)
Self-control
Meditation
Charity and compassion
Buddhist beliefs not seen in Christianity
Reincarnation/Karma
Lack of Grace/Theravada (attaining self-liberation through one’s effort)
Excessive self-reliance/Theravada
Image of God
Lack of Redemption
